Rangers' fourth line in the spotlight

LOS ANGELES — As the Stanley Cup Final unfolds in Los Angeles for the second time in three years, it only seems appropriate that the fourth line of the Kings’ opponent has once again become a focal point of the series.

Back in 2012, much was made of the New Jersey Devils talented trio of Stephen Gionta, Ryan Carter and Steve Bernier and the impact they made on New Jersey’s improbable run. Two years later, and with “underdog” storylines gaining steam, much of the attention has fallen to the New York Rangers grinders; Dominic Moore, Derek Dorsett and Brian Boyle.

Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault started his fourth line in Game 1, and was rewarded with a good shift that set the tone for an early 2-0 lead. Although the line – with occasional contributions from now-suspended winger Daniel Carcillo – has accounted for just 17 of the team’s 154 points this postseason, they’ve come through when it’s mattered the most, with Moore’s decisive goal in the Eastern Conference Final serving as the most recent example.

“They’ve been great for us,” Rangers defenseman Anton Stralman said. “They’re a hard-working line, but at the same time they’ve been contributing for us offensively. Dom scored that game-winner in Game 6, and they’ve been doing well. They’ve been getting rewarded for that hard work they’ve been putting in.”

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As is the case with any fourth line, results typically aren’t measured in statistics.

“It’s getting pucks deep and holding onto pucks down low and making sure that you’re able to battle in the defensive zone,” Dorsett said of his role.

“You have to be forechecking hard, finishing checks and just be a hard guy to play against. We need to bring a physical element to it, and we need to play the way we have been playing. The second half of the year, our fourth line – whether it’s been Carcillo jumping in when I’ve been hurt – it’s been good. We have to get that forecheck going, play in the offensive zone and make sure we’re playing solid defensively.”

Given the struggles of some of the Rangers top forwards at various points during the postseason, having a line that can not only provide the opposition a different look, but contribute on the scoresheet as well as paid dividends for New York.

“I think it’s very important, going deep into the playoffs like this,” Stralman said. “You want everybody pulling the load, you want everybody to contribute. Some nights, some games the first two lines aren’t there and then you need other guys to step up. That’s what they’ve been doing. They’ve been scoring some big goals for us, and hopefully that will continue.”